Analytical chemistry reveals serum change in CSFV-infected pigs

Pigs infected with classical swine fever virus (CSFV) have been made the subjects of analytical chemistry in China to learn how their serum levels change during the lethal stage of the illness.

Scientists at Northeastern University and the Academy of Military Medical Sciences infected five pigs with CSFV, leaving five more uninfected to act as a control group.

They then applied an analytical chemistry process involving two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis to determine which proteins' expression is altered during the body's battle with the disease.

In their Virology Journal report, they list 17 protein spots found to be differentially expressed among the control and infected pigs.

Among the significant actions seen to be altered were blood coagulation, angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory activity.

Of ten proteins highlighted using mass spectrometry, six were lower in infected swine, while four were up-regulated.

Virology Journal looks at the action of viruses across all categories of life, from humans and animals to plants, fungi, bacteria and insects.